Report finds Vermont is healthiest state, N.H. ranks third

BURLINGTON, Vt. — With a decrease in smoking, low prevalence of obesity and few residents who lack health insurance, Vermont has retained its spot as the healthiest state in the country for the second year in a row, according to a national report released Wednesday.

By Associated Press

seacoastonline.com

By Associated Press

Posted Dec. 3, 2008 at 5:22 PM

By Associated Press
Posted Dec. 3, 2008 at 5:22 PM

» Social News

BURLINGTON, Vt. — With a decrease in smoking, low prevalence of obesity and few residents who lack health insurance, Vermont has retained its spot as the healthiest state in the country for the second year in a row, according to a national report released Wednesday.

The report by the United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention found that smoking has dropped by 43 percent since 1990 to 17.6 percent of the population and the state has low rates of obesity at 21.9 percent and children in poverty at 10.9 percent.

"A broad range of health initiatives have made it possible for Vermont to make progress in areas where the rest of the country needs the greatest improvement," the groups said in a report entitled: "America's Health Rankings: A Call to Action for People and their Communities."

Although Vermont made progress, the report noted where it needs work: A high rate of binge drinking at 21.9 percent and the percentage of children who get all their vaccinations — 79.8 percent.

The report found that obesity is increasing in Vermont, but at a slower rate than the national average.

After Vermont, Hawaii was the second healthiest state, followed by New Hampshire.

Louisiana was at the bottom of the list with its high prevalence of obesity, children in poverty and uninsured residents.

Despite the progress in Vermont, which has risen in the rankings over the last eight years, the health of Americans has remained stagnant for a fourth year in a row, the report said.

"Key factors contributing to these results included unprecedented levels of obesity, an increasing number of uninsured people, and the persistence of risky health behaviors, particularly tobacco use."